[Photo News] Cities hold squid festivals to beat scorching heat

As Korea experiences one of the hottest summers in its history, different cities have held squid festivals to fight the scorching heat. At the festivals, visitors can jump into the water and catch fresh squid with their bare hands. Many people flocked to beaches in Gangwon Province and Ulleungdo to cool off and enjoy the rare experience. At the blow of the whistle, children and adults dive into the water to catch as many squids as they can. Those in luck also catch massive amberjack fish. Photos

TravelAug. 7, 2018

Yun Hyong-keun retrospective at MMCA: ‘True sorrow is connected to true beauty’

Dark-colored columns and planes lie on giant linen and cotton canvases. Upon a close look, one can see the gradation of colors on the rough textures of the canvases. Late monochrome painter Yun Hyong-keun’s paintings are a result of hardships and emotions that grew out of suffering. As in Mark Rothko’s paintings, Yun’s works, too, evoke religious and mythical stirrings in the viewers. Perhaps, Yun’s paintings appear imbued with grimmer emotions. Artist Yun Hyong-keun (MMCA)The National Museum of

Arts & DesignAug. 7, 2018

29,000-year-old net sinkers, world's oldest, found in Korean cave

Fourteen 29,000-year-old fishing net sinkers that are considered to be the world's earliest have been excavated in Jeongseon, northeastern Korea, a university museum said Tuesday.The fishing net sinkers made of limestone represent a rare discovery of fishing gear from the Upper Paleolithic era or the Upper Old Stone Age, according to the Yonsei University Museum.    (Yonhap)The sinkers were unearthed during an excavation of four cultural phases from the Paleolithic era at the Maedun Cave in Jeon

CultureAug. 7, 2018

Why Stray Kids are K-pop’s new power players

(Stray Kid`s Instagram)At first, their strong leanings on hip-hop and aggressive choreography seem reminiscent of the early days of K-pop phenomenon BTS. But there is something particular about this sparkling rookie group. New JYP Entertainment group Stray Kids have seen quite a bit of success despite their short time in the scene; Since its debut in March, the nine-member group quickly racked up a huge international following and continued to create a buzz by landing its pre-debut album at No.

PerformanceAug. 6, 2018

Are you a picky snob or a kitsch-lover?

Artist and photographer Coco Capitan’s solo exhibition in Seoul comes across as rather straightforward, but still raises certain questions, perhaps because the artist crosses boundaries between art and commercialism with no reserve.Via her collaboration with Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s creative director, photographer Coco Capitan earned international recognition in the industry. Coco Capitan’s 2015 work “Hasta La Vista” (Courtesy of the artist)The Spanish-born and now London-based Capitan has br

Arts & DesignAug. 6, 2018

BTOB leader Seo Eun-kwang to enlist after concerts this month

BTOB frontman Seo Eun-kwang will enlist in the military on Aug. 21, according to his agency Cube Entertainment. The singer confirmed the surprising news himself, releasing a statement through his agency that said, “I am really sorry to fans who might be surprised at this sudden news about my enlistment. I am sorry for not being able to keep all those many promises I made with you. I will keep those promises after I fulfill my military duty.” (Cube Entertainment)Details regarding the time and tra

PerformanceAug. 6, 2018

Ailee opens up about negative effects of extreme dieting

Singer Ailee shed tears while recalling her experience of dieting during the episode of “Hidden Singer” that aired Sunday. “Hidden Singer” is a TV program in which a pop star and impersonators compete in a singing battle while the audience tries to guess the real singer by listening to their voices only. (JTBC)During Sunday’s episode, an impersonator said she had lost 15 kg to become a singer after she saw Ailee had lost weight. In turn, Ailee opened up about her own experience.Ailee said she wa

PerformanceAug. 6, 2018

Changdeokgung throws open gates for nighttime tour

A nighttime tourism program at Changdeokgung palace will commence on Aug. 23, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced Monday.The annual “Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace” allows visitors to stroll around the Joseon-era palace after hours, with commentaries by tour guides on the history of the Joseon era, photo opportunities with palace guards in traditional garments, and traditional performances. Tours will be provided in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. The poster for “Moonli

CultureAug. 6, 2018

Stay active and cool at Sports Monster

In the stifling midsummer heat in Korea, even walking five minutes outdoors can be a sweaty, sticky, endeavor. Seeking refuge from the sun, but restless with unconsumed energy, The Korea Herald’s five summer interns visited Sports Monster at Starfield Goyang for amusement. Sports Monster, located in the Starfield Goyang shopping mall, is a sports experience center with 30 different activities that are divided into four zones: Basic Zone, Exciting Zone, Adventure Zone and Digital Zone. Sports Mon

CultureAug. 6, 2018

Seoul city to issue special EXO-themed edition of Seoul tour pass

The city of Seoul and Seoul Tourism Organization announced Monday a special EXO-themed Seoul tour pass for foreign visitors will go on sale on Aug. 20.The special edition of the Discovery Seoul Pass comes with images of the EXO bandmates. There are 10 different versions, including solo shots of the eight bandmates and two group photos.  (Seoul Metropolitan Government) (Seoul Metropolitan Government) (Seoul Metropolitan Government)The city plans to issue 1,000 Discovery Seoul Pass cards priced at

PerformanceAug. 6, 2018

Jo Kwon enlists on Aug 6.

2AM’s Jo Kwon will begin his 19-month mandatory military service Monday, according to his agency.Cube Entertainment, representing Jo Kwon, said, “The time and place of training camp will not be revealed since artist wanted a quiet enlistment.” (Instagram)The artist posted a selfie taken while shaving his head on his Instagram with a comment, “2018.8.6 – 2020.3.24. Keep Going. I’ll be healthy and well. Thank you and I love you.”Debuted as a member of 2AM in JYP Entertainment in 2008, Jo Kwon rece

PerformanceAug. 6, 2018

Ticket sales of 'Along With the Gods 2' surpass 6 mln on 5th day after release

South Korea's action fantasy film "Along With the Gods: The Last 49 Days" is on course to set a ticket sale record for the nation's movie industry, with its total sales exceeding 6 million on Sunday, just 5 days after release.The sequel to the 2017 box office smash "Along With the Gods:The Two Worlds" is the first South Korean movie to break the 6 million mark in five days, according to distributor Lotte Entertainment. (Lotte Entertainment)The movie sold 1.24 million tickets last Wednesday, sett

FilmAug. 5, 2018

Han Hyo-ju supports TV drama version of ‘Beauty Inside’

The movie “Beauty Inside” is set be adapted into a TV drama on JTBC. The TV drama centers on a unique romance in which a woman whose face changes on a regular basis interacts with a man. The protagonists for the TV drama edition are Seo Hyun-jin and Lee Min-gi. (BH Entertainment)In the film version, it is the man’s face that gets changed. Han Hyo-ju was the female protagonist in the movie. “Since I have a special affection for ‘Beauty Inside,’ I’m looking forward to seeing the film made into a d

TelevisionAug. 5, 2018

[Photo News] Have a sip of Vietnam in Seoul at Cong Caphe

Koreans who want to enjoy Vietnamese coffee are lining up in front of Cong Caphe in Yeonnam-dong, western Seoul. Cong Caphe, a Vietnamese cafe franchise with more than 50 stores, launched its first overseas store in Seoul on Tuesday. Cong Caphe in Seoul (Yonhap)News of the launch has been spreading on social media since it was made public on July 10. On Friday evening, a long line formed in front of the store, with people waiting to have a sip of Vietnamese coffee despite the scorching heat.  On

FoodAug. 5, 2018

Red Velvet says its new single ‘Power Up’ will power fans up

After shaking things up with its song “Red Flavor” in July last year, Red Velvet is set to offer another taste of summer with its new single “Power Up.”“Our new single ‘Power Up’ delivers a message of ‘work hard and play hard.’ If ‘Red Flavor’ is energetic and upbeat from its beginning to end, ‘Power Up’ is very infectious,” said Irene during a press conference for the band’s second solo concert “Red Mare” in Seoul on Sunday.  (Yonhap)Red Velvet’s new summer album “Summer Magic,” slated for rele

PerformanceAug. 5, 2018

[Herald Interview] Sweet treats blossom in hands of wagashi master

In a dimly lit room, a masked man in kimono focuses on his hands. Adding refinement to his artwork using bespoke utensils, he eventually blooms a beautiful, pastel-hued flower, yet an edible one -- wagashi.Junichi Mitsubori is a third-generation artisan of wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets made with bean paste, sugar and glutinous rice. Running a century-old shop handed down from his grandfather to father and then to him, he may seem like an average artisan who has inherited a family business

FoodAug. 5, 2018

Fading voices of 22 comfort women to be shown in theaters

When the documentary film “Twenty Two” started filming in 2014, there were 22 surviving “comfort women” -- euphemism for those forced into sexual slavery by Japan during World War II -- in China. As of 2018, only seven remain, and the film desperately attempts to capture what could be their last messages to the world on screen. “Twenty Two,” set for release here Tuesday, is directed by Ke Guo and tracks down the former comfort women living in China, two of whom are Koreans. The director just poi

CultureAug. 5, 2018

CL’s dramatic change

Pictures showing CL’s dramatic change in appearance have drawn a great deal of attention from media and fans.On Friday the charismatic singer appeared to have gained a significant amount of weight when she was spotted at Incheon Airport on Friday, as she traveled to Singapore for a concert.In the images released by local media, CL was seen wearing an oversized black T-shirt that draped over her body with a pair of jeans baring her knees. (CL's Instagram)But her outfit was overshadowed by talks o

PerformanceAug. 3, 2018

Mystery unveiled over child actor’s face in ‘My ID is Gangnam Beauty’

TV drama “My ID is Gangnam Beauty” garnered much praise for its cryptic portrayal of the main character’s childhood after its first episode aired on July 27.The drama revolves around a character named Kang Mi-rae, who undergoes plastic surgery following hateful comments about her appearance dating back to her childhood. Starring actress Lim Soo-hyang, the series follows Kang’s university life as a transformed “beauty.”  (JTBC)In the first two episodes, the bulk of the story was about Kang’s scho

TelevisionAug. 3, 2018

Kallaci String Quartet fills late violinist Kwun Hyuk-joo's place

Kallaci String Quartet now has a new member on the violin, a position left vacant for two years following the unexpected death of violinist Kwun Hyuk-joo. Since Kwun’s passing, the group had been inviting guest violinists to perform with it.Now, with violinist Kang Su-yeon as a new member, the Kallaci String Quartet will hold a concert at Kumho Art Hall on Aug. 30.From left: violinist Kang Su-yeon, violinist Jang Yoo-jin, violist Lee Han-na and cellist Shim Joon-ho perform at Kumho Art Hall in D

PerformanceAug. 3, 2018